Elite 2025 recruit who almost chose Florida hits the portal — and Jon Sumrall can succeed where Billy Napier failed
Former five-star wide receiver Jaime Ffrench enters the transfer portal after one season with the Texas Longhorns, and the Florida Gators could be in play.
The transfer portal has been open for a week, and it’s been a wild time in the world of college football. It’s also getting crazier. The latest addition to the transfer portal is Texas Longhorns wide receiver Jaime Ffrench, as the true freshman announced his decision on Thursday.
Ffrench was an elite wide receiver coming out of high school. The 6-1, 185 pound receiver from Jacksonville, Florida, was a target of former head coach Billy Napier, and nearly found a way to get him ahead of early signing day last December. He enters the transfer portal with four seasons of eligibility remaining.
Florida Gators could re-engage pursuit of Jaime Ffrench
Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall has been on fire when it comes to recruiting. He retained five of the top players the Gators had on the 2025 roster, including Jayden Woods, who officially committed to stay in Gainesville on Wednesday.
Wide receiver is a plentiful position right now for the Gators. They retained Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III, while bringing in three impressive true freshmen in Davian Groce, Justin Williams, and Marquez Daniel. His scouting report from Andrew Irvins of 247 Sports highlights a very impressive player.
Well-rounded wide receiver with the traits and ball skills to work all three levels and emerge as a trusted option in any style of passing attack. Owns good size and somehow plays bigger than he measures as he’s rarely disturbed by press and frequently the one in control at the catch point. Blessed with larger hands that are almost automatic when he’s open, although he has fallen victim to a few concentration drops over the years. Might lack a true turbo, but can create separation by varying speeds as he gets vertical and has the initial burst to get away from the first defender. Impressive play strength also allows him to power through would-be tacklers and steal yardage. Has proven to be extremely effective in the red zone both in pads and on the camp circuit as he’s quick to plant and turn on both stop routes and back-shoulder fades. Overall, should be viewed as an advanced pass catcher that is rather polished for his age. Has experience lining up on both the inside and the outside and could likely do the same thing on Saturdays and potentially even Sundays if he keeps progressing. Projects as a potential multi-year impact player at the Power Four level that can handle a high volume of targets and more importantly, score touchdowns.
With Ffrench only having one catch for six yards as a true freshman, he could come much cheaper when it comes to NIL. Plus, Ffrench went to high school with Gators quarterback Trammel Jones Jr. That connection could be key to bringing him to Gainesville.
Sumrall could shoot his approval rating even higher by landing Ffrench, as you can never have too many weapons.
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